A quarter of a century in bronze: «Archive Herald» on the history of the erection of the first monument to M.K.Oginski in Belarus

25 years ago, on September 1, 2001, an event occurred in Molodechno that forever etched the name of Michal Kleofas Oginski into the city’s architectural landscape. The first monument to the great composer in Belarus was unveiled near the walls of the Music College.

Today, thanks to documents from the archival collections, we can relive the emotions of that day. The script for the ceremony still preserves the spirit of that September morning. The steps of the college were awash in flowers, and a white veil hung over the monument itself. At the signal, which was the first notes of the famous polonaise, the veil fell, and children in traditional embroidered shirts carried lit oil lamps to the base.

Among the honored guests of the event were the State Secretary of the Security Council of Belarus, the Minister of Culture, regional and district administrations, and members of the musical community. The monument was created by the entire city—from patrons to ordinary residents.

Archival Bulletin: 25 years of the M.K.Oginsky monument in Molodechno